MCS mourns the loss of Dr Duncan Huggett

Date posted:
12 September 2017

Duncan was a very active trustee for MCS over the period to 2005-2015, using his expertise and enthusiasm to help us shape our conservation policies and strategic directions. He brought particular nature conservation skills and knowledge of Government and its agencies, having previously worked closely with us when we campaigned together with the RSPB on marine nature conservation legislation.

He was so committed to the cause of MCS and his expertise and advice were greatly valued by us all, helping very much to shape the strategy and direction of the organisation. Above all though, Duncan was a really nice and genuine person. It was a privilege to work with him.

Martin Spray,
Former Chairman and fellow trustee
MCS

Duncan was an important contributor to wildlife legislation protection during his time at the RSPB, contributing incisive thinking and advocacy through Wildlife and Countryside Link, and astutely collaborating with NGO partners to set the groundwork for much of the underwater nature protection legislation we see today. He was prepared to challenge where he felt it mattered, firmly but with a warm and welcoming approach to those involved in discussions. He will be remembered for his instrumental contributions to the Marine Acts we see in force today, along with a multitude of other measures for marine and coastal environmental protection as varied as inshore fisheries management and port development.

Duncan continued his active support for our work by becoming a trustee while handling flood risk management for the Environment Agency as his day job. As a trustee he had a passion for MCS and our work that was deeply held and expressed. He will be well remembered for his sense of humour, principles, keen mind, and meticulous attention to details to make sure our ambitious conservation programmes remained on track. He was incredibly thorough, and would fight for what was right - a quality that was most admired by fellow trustees.

Duncan died recently after a battle with a brain tumour, aged 52. He will be sorely missed. Our sympathies are with his family.